Sighting of Flying Objects — Yuma County Airport, Arizona, 4 February 1953

On February 4, 1953, at 1350 MST, a meteorological aid employed by the U.S. Weather Bureau at the Yuma County Airport in Arizona was tracking a pilot balloon using a theodolite. While performing his duties, he observed two unidentified objects. The witness, who possessed ten years of experience in tracking balloons and held a private pilot license, described the objects as solid, dull, pure white, and slightly oblong, with a thin white mist edging them. The objects appeared to be the same size, approximately one minute of arc. According to the witness, the objects ascended straight up, leveled off, and traveled on a westward course. One object followed a straight path while the second object swooped across or near the path of the first object three to four times. The witness noted that the objects moved significantly faster than any balloon he had ever tracked and were moving against the prevailing westerly winds. The sighting lasted for approximately five minutes. The objects were eventually obscured by cirrus clouds at an altitude of approximately 25,000 feet. The witness stated that he was absolutely certain of what he saw through the theodolite and emphasized that the objects were either piloted or remote-controlled. The official investigation, conducted by the Air Technical Intelligence Center (ATIC), concluded that the objects could not have been balloons, as they were seen moving against the wind. While aircraft were in the vicinity, the observer was aware of them and stated he could not have confused them with the unknown objects. Astronomical activity was also ruled out due to the time of day and the maneuvers observed. The final conclusion reached by the investigation was 'Unknown'.